February 3, 2009Women civilized the Wild West and are civilizing politics too
Saturday I spoke to a group of women citizen lobbyists about how to stop arguing and start communicating about politics. They proceeded to show me what reasonable dialogue looks like.
My talk was based on my eBook Unite and Concur. After I spoke, researcher Amy Blackwell led a discussion about which bills the group would endorse and lobby against. The questions were insightful and the discussion was informed, reasonable and non-contemptuous. They considered the bills from a woman’s perspective. The conversation wasn’t just by-partisan – it was non-partisan.
Then City Councillor Faith Winter explained how to lobby the state legislature to get a bill passed or killed. It provided a fabulous understanding of how many avenues of persuasion we have in all areas of life – not just politics – if we’re willing to do what it takes.
What impressed me most was that while both speakers have very gentle spirits, they are incredibly influential. I heard that women tamed the wild west long ago. I believe women are doing that in politics now. It was an inspiring conference, and I felt privileged to attend. I write more about my experience in my article, It’s My Democracy and I’m Watching it.
“Meryl Fan” takes me to task on last week’s “Ask Meryl” response
A long time reader and business associate offered me a detailed critique of my response to “Dominating Peer” last week. I asked him to post it online, which he did. He made a lot of great catches. You can read his post and my response here. The biggest reminder I got from his insights is how important it is to start with questions instead of statements and admonishments.
He makes one point that is considered common wisdom in the communication industry that I see differently from most people. I present that topic for this week’s vote and discussion below.
New Articles:
I have four new articles this week.
1. Strategic or habitual silence?
Lessons from a determined mother squirrel and a hapless canine. (It’s mostly pictures)
2. Family priorities: put your partner first. How to stay in love by keeping your loyalties straight.
3. It’s my body and this ain’t normal. How to SpeakStrong to get a doctor to listen to you.
4. It’s my democracy and I’m watching it: How women in politics are civilizing political dialogue
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